THREAD: DOES JOE WILLOCK DESERVE TO START IN THE PL? In this thread, I provide an in-depth analysis of Willock, discussing his Arsenal career so far, strengths/weaknesses and what he could add to the current team in the PL. Likes/RTs would be much appreciated, enjoy! 😁🔴
Hale End Graduate Joe Willock has now featured in the first team for over 3 years. Despite noticeable weaknesses in his game, the young Englishman certainly possesses qualities that his current midfield teammates lack.
During the summer of 2017, Joe was one of a few youth prospects selected to join the pre-season tour with the first team. Playing in central midfield, Willock didn't shy away from the occasion and looked comfortable alongside many experienced first-team regulars.
Wenger insisted that his talented central midfielder would feature in the first team, predominantly in the Europa League. The 18-year-old at the time started three of the five games in the group, with one of them being away from home against Red Star Belgrade. The hostile...
atmosphere presented in Serbia can be a daunting experience for young players looking to showcase their talent. But despite the surroundings not being ideal, Joe quietly impressed, playing on the left side of a midfield pivot. Regarding areas of improvement, Willock's...
defensive awareness and inability to sense danger were signs of rawness. But it's important to remember that the youngster was only 18 at this stage of his career. On the 15th April 2018, Arsene handed Willock his Premier League debut against a rejuvenated Newcastle side...
away from home at St James Park. Wenger opted for 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 with the number 69, at the time playing as the most advanced midfielder. The performance, however, was a frustrating watch. Despite showing energy, nervousness in possession along with poor decision making were...
notable aspects in the Englishman's game. The signs were there that perhaps Joe wasn't ready to feature in the Premier League at this stage of his career. Over the last two years, however, Willock has showcased many of his qualities under Emery. The 21-year-olds possesses an...
incredible engine, with his ability to drive with the ball and progress his team in this fashion a standout attribute. Receiving the ball deep, evading pressure, eliminating players out of the equation with his forward runs are characteristics that Joe provides.
Whilst it's great that a player can provide 'ball-carrying qualities' to the table, one must be able to provide quality in the opposition third. The signs were there against Vorskla in 2018, that the youngster could provide goals from midfield, as Ramsey did for the club.
Whilst it's great that a player can provide 'ball-carrying qualities' to the table, one must be able to provide quality in the opposition third. The signs were there against Vorskla in 2018, that the youngster could provide goals from midfield, as Ramsey did for the club.
Whilst it's great that a player can provide 'ball-carrying qualities' to the table, one must be able to provide quality in the opposition third. The signs were there against Vorskla in 2018, that the youngster could provide goals from midfield, as Ramsey did for the club.
Willocks best performance in the 18/19 season was against Blackpool in the FA Cup, with the Hale end star bagged two goals in what was a convincing 3-0 win for the Gunners.
Willocks best performance in the 18/19 season was against Blackpool in the FA Cup, with the Hale end star bagged two goals in what was a convincing 3-0 win for the Gunners.
Willocks best performance in the 18/19 season was against Blackpool in the FA Cup, with the Hale end star bagged two goals in what was a convincing 3-0 win for the Gunners.
During the start of last season, Willock raised his performance levels, particularly in the cup games. Progressive ability, driving runs, and quality in his end product were on show from yet another Hale End Academy Graduate.
During the start of last season, Willock raised his performance levels, particularly in the cup games. Progressive ability, driving runs, and quality in his end product were on show from yet another Hale End Academy Graduate.
During the start of last season, Willock raised his performance levels, particularly in the cup games. Progressive ability, driving runs, and quality in his end product were on show from yet another Hale End Academy Graduate.
The weaknesses in Joe's game is his ability to consistently make the correct decisions rather than show glimpses. Chelsea at home is an example of Willock lacking composure when it mattered. The youngster is also guilty of not releasing the ball quickly at times.
However, when analysing Willock in the few games he has started in the cup competitions, the signs are there that the 21-year-old has improved on aspects such as his decision making. Against Leicester in the cup, Arteta favoured his hybrid 3-4-3 system, with Joe playing on...
However, when analysing Willock in the few games he has started in the cup competitions, the signs are there that the 21-year-old has improved on aspects such as his decision making. Against Leicester in the cup, Arteta favoured his hybrid 3-4-3 system, with Joe playing on...
However, when analysing Willock in the few games he has started in the cup competitions, the signs are there that the 21-year-old has improved on aspects such as his decision making. Against Leicester in the cup, Arteta favoured his hybrid 3-4-3 system, with Joe playing on...
However, when analysing Willock in the few games he has started in the cup competitions, the signs are there that the 21-year-old has improved on aspects such as his decision making. Against Leicester in the cup, Arteta favoured his hybrid 3-4-3 system, with Joe playing on...
the right side of midfield. Attacking in a 2-3-5, Willock was given licence to drift in between the lines. Despite Arsenal's No.28. not performing at his best, Joe provided energy in his press and made correct decisions in possession and in key areas of the pitch.
Most notable displays have been in games against Dundalk and Molde, with Joe receiving two MOTM awards. Playing further up in Arteta's 2-3-5 attacking shape, Willock showcased plenty of his qualities, as described in the diagrams below.
Most notable displays have been in games against Dundalk and Molde, with Joe receiving two MOTM awards. Playing further up in Arteta's 2-3-5 attacking shape, Willock showcased plenty of his qualities, as described in the diagrams below.
Most notable displays have been in games against Dundalk and Molde, with Joe receiving two MOTM awards. Playing further up in Arteta's 2-3-5 attacking shape, Willock showcased plenty of his qualities, as described in the diagrams below.
Most notable displays have been in games against Dundalk and Molde, with Joe receiving two MOTM awards. Playing further up in Arteta's 2-3-5 attacking shape, Willock showcased plenty of his qualities, as described in the diagrams below.
Most notable displays have been in games against Dundalk and Molde, with Joe receiving two MOTM awards. Playing further up in Arteta's 2-3-5 attacking shape, Willock showcased plenty of his qualities, as described in the diagrams below.
The diagrams below show as few standout moments of play from Willock against Molde. The question marks obviously revolve around whether Joe can maintain consistency in his performances. But the 21-year-old clearly would add attributes that his midfield teammates lack, such as
The diagrams below show as few standout moments of play from Willock against Molde. The question marks obviously revolve around whether Joe can maintain consistency in his performances. But the 21-year-old clearly would add attributes that his midfield teammates lack, such as
The diagrams below show as few standout moments of play from Willock against Molde. The question marks obviously revolve around whether Joe can maintain consistency in his performances. But the 21-year-old clearly would add attributes that his midfield teammates lack, such as
The diagrams below show as few standout moments of play from Willock against Molde. The question marks obviously revolve around whether Joe can maintain consistency in his performances. But the 21-year-old clearly would add attributes that his midfield teammates lack, such as
The diagrams below show as few standout moments of play from Willock against Molde. The question marks obviously revolve around whether Joe can maintain consistency in his performances. But the 21-year-old clearly would add attributes that his midfield teammates lack, such as
runs from deep. Regarding Arteta's hybrid 3-4-3 system, whilst it has proved to be effective against opposition where the onus isn't on his side to take the initiative, there are fundamental issues with the formation against low block teams. Essentially the system lacks a ...
player who can play in between the lines and be that all-important creative link, which the attacking trio is in dire need off. Saka is instructed to connect the midfield with the attack, playing as the most advanced midfielder in possession. The issue with this is that...
Arsenal's No.7 is playing as a LWB out of possession, therefore when possession is retained in midfield, his starting position is too deep, hence affecting his sides ability to transition forward quickly. Its also not ideal that the clubs No.9, AL isn't performing well in...
terms of goalscoring or link play, when dropping deep to receive the ball. The movement between the lines that Willock has shown in the EL is an aspect that is lacking in the PL and an area that is fundamental for creativity. Against low blocks, a 4-2-3-1 seems to be the best...
terms of goalscoring or link play, when dropping deep to receive the ball. The movement between the lines that Willock has shown in the EL is an aspect that is lacking in the PL and an area that is fundamental for creativity. Against low blocks, a 4-2-3-1 seems to be the best...
terms of goalscoring or link play, when dropping deep to receive the ball. The movement between the lines that Willock has shown in the EL is an aspect that is lacking in the PL and an area that is fundamental for creativity. Against low blocks, a 4-2-3-1 seems to be the best...
internal solution. The evidence is there against Sheffield United, where Arteta's tactical tweak with the system enabled his side to break down the stubborn 5-4-1 low block Wilder deployed. Regarding the 10 role, the choices Arteta has are Willock, Saka and Willian. The question
internal solution. The evidence is there against Sheffield United, where Arteta's tactical tweak with the system enabled his side to break down the stubborn 5-4-1 low block Wilder deployed. Regarding the 10 role, the choices Arteta has are Willock, Saka and Willian. The question
internal solution. The evidence is there against Sheffield United, where Arteta's tactical tweak with the system enabled his side to break down the stubborn 5-4-1 low block Wilder deployed. Regarding the 10 role, the choices Arteta has are Willock, Saka and Willian. The question
internal solution. The evidence is there against Sheffield United, where Arteta's tactical tweak with the system enabled his side to break down the stubborn 5-4-1 low block Wilder deployed. Regarding the 10 role, the choices Arteta has are Willock, Saka and Willian. The question
internal solution. The evidence is there against Sheffield United, where Arteta's tactical tweak with the system enabled his side to break down the stubborn 5-4-1 low block Wilder deployed. Regarding the 10 role, the choices Arteta has are Willock, Saka and Willian. The question
marks are there as to whether these guys can play in this position consistently. Despite a small sample size, Joe has shown that he deserves a shot in the PL. Presses well, a great engine, has improved on his decision making, dynamic effective runs into the box like Ramsey and...
is effective in transition. If Arteta does continue to play the hybrid 3-4-3, then a set up shown below could potentially suffice. The key is to identify solutions within that can help maximise creativity and a 4-2-3-1 system, with Auba through the middle is worth a shot!
is effective in transition. If Arteta does continue to play the hybrid 3-4-3, then a set up shown below could potentially suffice. The key is to identify solutions within that can help maximise creativity and a 4-2-3-1 system, with Auba through the middle is worth a shot!
is effective in transition. If Arteta does continue to play the hybrid 3-4-3, then a set up shown below could potentially suffice. The key is to identify solutions within that can help maximise creativity and a 4-2-3-1 system, with Auba through the middle is worth a shot!
is effective in transition. If Arteta does continue to play the hybrid 3-4-3, then a set up shown below could potentially suffice. The key is to identify solutions within that can help maximise creativity and a 4-2-3-1 system, with Auba through the middle is worth a shot!
I hope you enjoyed the read. My articles can be accessed @GunnersTown. Over the last week, I have also set up my first ever YT channel, where I will cover Arsenal content in detail. It would mean a lot to me if you follow my journey and subscribe 😁. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28MDtdmsbQmkVLaCuhKahw?view_as=subscriber
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